If you want to persuade people to do something, don’t pose it as a benefit to you. Show how it’s a benefit to them.
 

TECHNIQUES FOR BALANCE

The Human Condition
 

Musings

ORTIYKMWOYBNTO
 

Balancing Act: The Newsletter

(No. 260, April 2021)

Balancing act is in four sections this month:

  1. Techniques for Balance: Permanent Changes Post-Pandemic 
  2. The Human Condition: Minorities
  3. Musings
  4. ORTIYKMWOYBNTO
Techniques For Balance

Permanent Changes Post-Pandemic

• Family gatherings will more often be by Zoom.

• Shelters will once again have a net influx of pets, not net placements.

• Professional services will charge a premium to come to your home, from tax accounting to masseuses, from Pilates to attorneys.

• Take-out food will become more elegant, better packaged, and some restaurants will license this business or use a separate facility to prevent people waiting while other diners are seated.

• Some people will wear masks permanently (as I’ve seen pre-pandemic in Asia and among many TSA workers).

• More medical students will go into immunology.

• When herd immunity is a reality soon, the “anti-maskers” will claim they were right and never needed to wear them, and the people who did wear them will claim that they saved the anti-maskers from illness and death. (The same with vaccines.)

• Airlines will be flying full with less capacity and far more people wanting to travel again.

• The hospitality industry will see a huge rebound in elective surgery as Covid “cabin fever” is dealt with.

• Although online learning was an utter failure and fiasco, no one will admit to having learned the lesson.

• The politicians will go back to fighting each other for power instead of providing for a better environment in terms of education, infrastructure, rational immigration policies, and so forth. But maybe that’s not a “permanent change” but rather a continuation of stagnation.
The Human Condition

Minorities

I received my second Covid vaccine shot on March 11 in Everett, MA. My first was a month ago in Revere, MA. Both of these could be described as “working class” towns. Both pharmacies were huge, and you could buy clothing or gifts or office supplies, among other things.

Between the two stores—where there was no one ahead of me, waiting with me, or waiting when I was done—there were four pharmacists and seven technicians who I could see. I interacted with two of each. Of course, there are other shifts and people may have been on break out on vacation.

But in my observation, every one of them would be considered a “minority” today. They were a variety of skin colors, there was one Muslim head covering, everyone had accents ranging from slight to my need to have things repeated (the masks are tough). The only idiomatically fluent person was an Asian pharmacist.

All of them were attentive and professional. All did their jobs well. When they needed help (the Walgreens system is creaky, to be kind), they quickly obtained it from a willing colleague.

The customers at the pharmacy window were similarly diverse, a couple speaking Spanish to a technician, I was the sole “white guy.” What I’m probably saying poorly is that this is a large part of the America I see only because contemporary issues have urged me to look. Otherwise, I simply see people performing their work. I’ve encountered people who are nasty and inept on occasion, but it has nothing to do with their ethnicity, only with their attitude.

No one gave me a second look. They didn’t think I was out of place, they just cared that I followed the rules. When I thanked everyone who helped me, they all said, “You’re welcome.”

I don’t like the concept of a “salad bowl” where, perhaps, people can throw out the radishes or refuse to deal with the carrots. I still prefer “melting pot” where we’re all in this together, not fixated on identities or what part of the soil gave birth to us.
Musings

“The royals” are certainly causing a commotion. By the time you read this who knows what may have transpired, but Oprah Winfrey’s interview with Meghan and Harry drew 17 million people, the largest rated non-sports show of the last year (except for Queen Latifa’s special that followed the Super Bowl).

The interview took place on the estate of Gail King, Oprah’s girlfriend. It made Tom Brady’s “revenge tour” of winning the Super Bowl by showing up the Patriots and winning at Tampa Bay a weak comparison, because this was a “revenge bomb.”

Supposedly:

• Meghan was suicidal at times.

• She turned to human resources (I fell on the floor laughing) for help and was told she didn’t qualify because she’s not a “paid employee” of the household!!

• Someone “at the highest levels” asked how dark their son, Archie’s, skin might be, denied him the traditional designation of being royal, and denied him therefore any paid security or protection.

• Harry’s father, Prince Charles, stopped taking his calls.

This, of course, adds to the loveless marriage foisted upon Diana by Charles, the early carousing of Prince Philip, the close relationship of Prince Andrew to Epstein and sex trafficking, and so much more.

Harry and Meghan were cut off from funds, except for the nice inheritance he had from his mother. Tyler Perry put these “homeless” people up in his huge estate complete with guards. And they finally signed deals with media companies (and there is no indication that they have any real talent to provide) for many millions. I’m convinced that the two of them were paid for the interview, though they deny it, if not in cash then in favors.

Harry actually said, “Now we have a nice home.” Yes, a $14.5 million home with guards, in California, amidst pandemic, poverty, and misery. He’s not roughing it any more.

I believe that Meghan is choreographing the entire separation, an actress through and through. But what people are really missing is the end game. I saw Hamilton before its Tony, with the original cast. The actor playing King George sings in the first and second act, “You’ll be back,” to the colonists.

Archie is qualified to become President of the United States! George was in it for the long haul!
Only Read This if You Know Me Well

I’m getting ready for a Zoom keynote, and I’m excited to wear something decent and “clean up.” My wife is watching my ablutions and I comb my hair, check my clothes, and so forth.

“Why are you looking at me like that?” I ask. “It feels good to “dress up.” “What are you doing right now, at this moment?” she asks.

I was putting on cologne.
Development Opportunities
 
Master Class

The Master Class

A 2.5-day “PhD” in professional services and entrepreneurialism. We’ll  discuss new markets, remote best practices, concierge trusted advisors, scaling your business, client evangelism, and much, much more. At a world-class property, Castle Hill Inn in Newport, RI, Nov. 2-4. Maximum 16 people, eight slots are filled. Fee ($14,500) includes lodging and meals.
REGISTER
 
 
BSL: Business As A Second Language

BSL: Business As A Second Language

May, 410AM – 11:30AM Eastern US Time (good for Europe, West Coast US can get up early). This is for: Tech experts, consultants, and advisors •People launching second careers in consulting •Consultants and experts who can’t convert prospects to clients •Those who think “first in, first out” (FIFO) means how you want to visit the dentist. •Those who think EBIDA stands for Every Body Is Distinctly Afraid

We will deal with these provocative issues: Why the CIO is probably not your buyer •How to move technology and methodology from delivery enablement to strategic input •How to hide the fact that your strength is technology •How to learn to speak “business” fluently, or at least with barely a tech accent •How to cure the OCD disease of defaulting to methodology
REGISTER
 
 
Get Back on Track: A Livestream Experience

We're Out of the Tunnel, Get Back on Track: A Livestream Experience

In this 60-90-minute session, I’m going to convey skills and mindsets that are needed to succeed and help others in a tumultuous and ambiguous world. Late last year I predicted a “Business Renaissance” to occur in March/April/May. And that’s exactly where we are. But it’s insufficient to merely rejoice in the rebirth, it’s important to position ourselves stronger than ever, and change the way we operate and the way we help ourselves, clients, and customers. This includes material from my new book, Your Legacy is Now.
REGISTER
 
 
 
The Fishbowl

The Fishbowl

Watch me coach two individuals, each for 45 minutes, in real time (or you may watch the recording). Afterwards, we’ll engage in conversation about what happened and why, the techniques, and the next steps. This is a four-week experience, once a week, with a man and a woman at different levels of experience and needs. Observer participation, including the interactive discussions, is $1,500. Apply the learning to your own coaching endeavors. We begin early April

Write me to apply.
Contact Alan
 
 
 
Sentient Strategy Certification

Sentient Strategy Certification

Over 40 people certified on three continents to deliver this radical, simplified approach to strategy for SMEs, divisions of large organizations, non-profits, and government agencies. The program can be delivered virtually or in person, looks only one year out, and requires two mornings or a full day. The certification is over two mornings via Zoom. The single and sole fee is $12,000. I recommend charging a fee of $35,000-$50,000 to clients. NO pre-pandemic strategy can possibly be effective today.

Next certification: April 20-21. I support you for 90 days thereafter. Write me to apply
Contact Alan
 
 
 
By Invitation Only

By Invitation Only

My classic, elite experience returns, this time to the elegant Four Seasons in Palm Beach, FL. Over 2.5 days we spend each morning discussing my latest IP and approaches to new markets and offerings, as well as key challenges for each person attending. There are world class dinners and optional experiences. I usually have these around the world and I will again in 2022, and the participants in the current sessions have priority for next year. Limit of 14 people. Partners are welcome at social events. $15,000 includes lodging and meals.

This is my “invitation” to apply. Write me for a discussion and appointment.
Contact Alan
 
 
 
Creating Dynamic Communities

Creating Dynamic Communities

People and boutique firms which had existing communities (NOT tribes!) of clients and recommenders have done far better over the past year than those who did not. Over two mornings, virtually, I’ll explain how you can create new communities or enhance existing ones both virtually and in person. Communities permit evangelism to sell for you, eliminating costs of acquisition.

Next session is April 13-14, $3,800. I support you for 60 days thereafter.
REGISTER
 
 
 
Questions I’ve Never Been Asked

Questions I’ve Never Been Asked

Through thousands of interviews I’ve been astounded by the questions I’ve never been asked. When did I fail in an assignment? What decisions were borderline unethical? When were you intimidated? Join me for a unique session and learn what I have through my own errors and poor judgment as well as huge victories.

You can purchase the recording of the session here:
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If you want to persuade people to do something, don’t pose it as a benefit to you. Show how it’s a benefit to them.—AW

 

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